Acidophillus Side Effects

Acidophillus is a nutritional supplement and/or a product found in yogurts and other dairy products. It contains a bacteria that thrives in the small intestine and digestive track. Acidophillus is a probiotic substance, which means that it helps to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria within the body. It has many touted medical uses and few known dangers and side effects, although it is not controlled, recommended or evaluated by the FDA, so the full extent of the benefits and side effects is unknown.

Dosage

• Acidophillus is commonly taken as a nutritional supplement in tablet or pill form. The normal recommended dose is between 1 billion and 10 billion bacteria, which is contained in each tablet or supplement. While directions vary depending on the supplement, typically people are advised to take between one and three tablets or pills daily. Potential side effects of an overdose are unknown.

Effects

• The effects of acidophillus are largely not substantiated by medical evidence. Anecdotal evidence and claims suggest that acidophillus substances may be useful in maintaining bowel health. The substance has also been used in the treatment of diarrhea and yeast infections. Allegedly, acidophillus is useful in lowering cholesterol and fighting cancer by killing tumor cells. Finally, some believe that it can also help lactose intolerant people digest dairy products and help boost the immune system.

Side Effects

• Although there are no clear drug warnings or reported side effects, Peace Health suggests that an allergic reaction occurs in some rare instances. Potential side effects associated with an allergic reaction to acidophillus include swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat, breathing difficulty, or hives.

Drug Interactions

• Although there are no commonly reported adverse effects from taking acidophillus, acidophillus may interfere with the effectiveness of other drugs and/or cause harmful side effects when mixed with other drugs. Acidophillus can potentially react dangerously with certain cancer medicines (Cytoxan, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide), carticosteroids (Cortone, Celestone, Decadron, Florinef, Cortef Hydrocortone), or immune suppressors (Neoral, Program, Imuran). Furthermore, antibiotics neutralize the effect of acidophillus tablets, so while no adverse reaction will occur, the acidophillus won't have an positive effect on the body either, because it will be neutralized by the antibiotics.

FDA Warnings/Approval

• The FDA does not regulate acidophillus nor does it report data on side effects or human trials associated with the use of the supplement. There is currently no regulating body in place to regulate the supplement, and manufacturing standards do not ensure its purity.